The PPA-17 is the Perfect Portable Antenna for 17-meter QRP (low-power) operation, or for shortwave listening. It is an end-fed Zepp, which means it's a full half-wavelength long and needs no ground or radial system (just a 3-foot counterpoise, which is included). End-fed means there is no need for a long coaxial cable, just place the driven end close to the radio. Suspend the other end from a tree limb, flagpole, fishing pole (20-foot telescoping crappie pole, not included), MFJ-1910 (telescoping 33-foot mast, not included), or whatever is available. The coupling network is pre-adjusted for 18.1 MHz, so no tuning is necessary. The entire antenna (not including a mast or support) coils up into a very small, lightweight package suitable for backpacking, motorcycling, or airline travel.
The 27-foot radiator and the 3-foot counterpoise are made of flexible 24-gauge insulated wire. The coupling network is housed in a very smal 1.58" x 1.58" x 0.78" black plastic enclosure. Connection to the transmitter is made via a 16-inch RG-58 "pigtail" with a male BNC connector.
The PPA-17 is limited to QRP operation. It can easily handle 2 Watts of output power, and has been tested at 5 Watts with no problem. The fun you will have with it is NOT limited, however, because its efficiency is very good. During a brief test of the prototype (20 meter version) contacts were quickly made with two Eurpean stations on 20 meter SSB.
